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Comforting Bacon Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole Easy Holiday Recipe with Marshmallow Topping

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A cozy and addictive casserole combining creamy sweet potatoes, smoky bacon, crunchy pecans, and a toasted marshmallow topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or comforting weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds / 900g), peeled and cubed
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 1 cup pecans (about 100g), roughly chopped
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows (or about 40 regular-sized marshmallows)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g), softened
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g), packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well.
  2. While the potatoes cook, fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 8 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Return the drained sweet potatoes to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Add the softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mash until mostly smooth but with some texture remaining.
  4. Stir the chopped bacon and half of the pecans into the mashed sweet potatoes, mixing until evenly distributed.
  5. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining pecans evenly across the top.
  6. Scatter the mini marshmallows (or whole marshmallows cut in half) evenly over the casserole.
  7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the casserole on the middle rack and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown. Watch closely during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
  8. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not over-mash the sweet potatoes to keep some texture. Cook bacon until crisp for best flavor and texture. If marshmallows brown too quickly but casserole isn’t heated through, tent with foil and continue baking. For dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil. For vegan, use plant-based bacon and marshmallows. Toast pecans lightly for extra flavor if desired. Can be made ahead by preparing through step 5 and refrigerating; add marshmallows before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, bacon, pecans, marshmallow topping, holiday recipe, comfort food, easy casserole, Thanksgiving side dish

Find it online: https://avabake.com/comforting-bacon-pecan-sweet-potato-casserole-easy-holiday-recipe-with-marshmallow-topping/